Past projects 2
Synonyms, Antonyms, Homophones, oh MY!
Funded Dec 28, 2021My students and I would like to thank you for the wonderful resources that you have kindly donated to. My students are enthusiastic English language learners. They are eager to learn English and love competing with one another especially through games.
When it was time to learn about synonyms, antonyms and homophones, I realized that they were struggling because they could not transfer these concepts from their native language due to their lack of knowledge. These concepts were totally new to them. However, thanks to the colorful visuals of Vocabulary Match-Ups and playful activities, my students were able to master these concepts and transfer them to their regular classroom activities like the Frayer Models where synonyms and antonyms reinforce and increase their knowledge of a new vocabulary word.
Another resource that my students found useful and challenging is the Building Fluency Card Bank. The students challenge how fast they can read a passage. Since we embedded this activity in our daily routine, the students are witnessing progress in their reading and thus builds their self esteem. Moreover, the Daily Language Practice and Daily Reading Comprehension journals are quick daily activities that allow my students to build reading stamina and practice skills such as summarizing, drawing inferences, using context clues for word meaning and much more.
It is thanks to donors like you that make a teacher's job easier and more engaging for students. Thank you again”
With gratitude,
Ms. Merlino
Learning English is Fun!!!
Funded Dec 9, 2021I would like to take this time to thank you and let you know how important your donations mean to me and my students. When the donations arrived, it was like Christmas all over again! My students were at first in disbelief. They could not believe that all of those colorful, interesting boxes were for them to use. They were curious and wanted to try all the games and activities at once!
Ever since we have received the requested resources, we have been using them systematically/consistently and my students are showing progress in their speaking and writing skills in English. Many of the resources are instructional games, therefore, as my students are "playing", they are actually learning. Learning through games helps to lower the affective filter which prevents English language learners from taking chances. When my students are playing a game, they do not think/forget their language barriers and are more prone at taking risks.
These resources also allow me to assess what my students know and what they need to learn. For example, the resource box Language Skills, evinced their lack of knowledge of putting words in alphabetical order or the difference between irregular verbs in the present and past tense. The Phonemic Awareness Listen and Learn toolbox is offering my students to practice manipulating phonemes to create new words and this is helping so much my kindergarten Fulani speaking student to read and write better and increase his vocabulary. Moreover, the Building Language Lotto activity offers hands-on realia which helps my students learn and reinforce everday vocabulary. My entering level students love the Word Building Puzzles because the images help them learn a new word and teaches them how to spell it by putting the letters together.
These are just a few of the resources that you have donated to and that are making a big impact on my students' learning. You are part of the progress they are making, therefore we consider you as our partner. We will be forever grateful. Thank you.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Merlino